Topography of the Variscan orogen in Europe: failed–not collapsed

The Variscan orogenic collage consists of three subduction-collision systems (Rheno-Hercynian, Saxo-Thuringian and Massif Central-Moldanubian). Devonian to early Carboniferous marine strata are widespread not only in the individual foreland fold and thrust belts, but also in post-tectonic basins within these foreland belts and on the Cadomian crust of peri-Gondwanan microcontinental fragments, which represent the upper plates of the...